The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-06-19
WHITTIER ARE WE DRIFTING =?
BY GAGE HAMPSTEAD.

The setting apart of the seventh day for
rest never sprsng from human intellect So
grand, so wise and beneflcent law must
emanate from the mind of Deity alone.
Heather nations of the past and to-day,
though attaining high degree of civiliza-
ton, are still worn, a weary people. In
cessant toll, treading the tread min on, till
death castsupon life the gloom that yearns
for rest in the grave. No Monday finds the
people of China refreshed, ready for the
new week of work How blessed that land
that possesses this invaluable, loving law!
where it is kept, not as man perverts it, but
simply, purely, as the Great Law -Giver
knows it will conduce to the welfare of
humanity
To deViate in #the slightest degree from
heavens commands is to burn strange fire,
to invite DEATH Holy, hallowed the day of
rest! No mortal of any intelligence can
misconstrue this command. The pea ce and
sanctity of the blessed day affects even the
wicked, the very atmosphere that pervades
him seems to invite him to a ''land of rest. -
In no land was the Sabbath more correctly
observed than in our own South and her
cities. But to-day we behold g new innova-
tion. What jar upon the holy day is the
rush of the feverish throng TO go on an ex-
cursion! is the grinding toll of men who
belong to a ''soulless Incorporation BY
their wear and tear of muscle, by their sighs
for the lowly home and the dear inmates on
this day of rest. is the cry of the witnesses
of this sin gone forth. Yet the fallacious
argument is boldly made that this pleasure
of Sunday excursions is given in view of
benefit TO the poor.
What of benefit to the poor labor outside
Only on this day, is il claimed, that the poor
workineman finds time for such recreation.
This should be keen blade piercing into
our legislation, our Christianity to admit
that no means can be devised so that the
poor can have a pleasant recreation, with
out being driven to violate the Sabbath
day! Each patriot heart must throb in
sympathy over our toiling bread-winners.
Over their lives let strong hearts unite 10
Gust every possible ray of sunshine.
But after all, do the poor avail themselves
more than others of the Sunday excursion
The day of rest, the only day they can spend
Mt home, is TO many most gladly passed with
their families. For many such the Sabbath
affords too many sacred recreations and
pleasures, for the thought to intrude Of join.
ing that which, to say the least, is question
able pleasure.
In fact, what classes compose the ordi-
nary Sunday excursion party! The man
about town, the needless girl families who
can afford to go in the week, but who are
willing to break the Sabbath TO save a few
dimes. Dove-coted among these are the
poor, who could never 90 unless the terms
were so low and the day Sabbath
Where is the statesman whose heart burns
with love to his felow-man who will devise n
plan SO that some week day the poor laborer
can take a Whit of salt air, or dash through
den and dingle on the iron horse' So grand
work is worthy the brain Of some true
man. With pale, sad faces, the poor, shut
in their lowly homes, appeal 10 us as a
Christian people to remove from them the
temptation 10 break this law. Will their
voices be heard!
Burn one barrier, break down one ram
part, and another Is quickly demolished.
Those who look in dismay on this first great
public violation of Gods day may witness,
In another decade, other strides toward the
breaking of the fourth command. Why he
amazed to wake up ten years hence aud find
the theatres open, the ball room allurine
in the throng ON Sundays! One step only
means another.
Now in time let our Christian and
patriotic people read their danger. On each
of these Is laid the finger of God, as In voice
of love and command He cries from Sinai's
burning mount: "Remenber my Sabbath
day TO keep it holy"